Puckin' Around With Spector

Entries with the tag: phoenix

After three years of uncertainty, the Phoenix Coyotes ownership issue could be on the verge of resolution.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman on Monday acknowledged a tentative agreement had been reached with an ownership group (led by former San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison) which would keep the team in Glendale, Arizona.

This doesn’t mean it’s a done deal, as the NHL Board of Governors must approve the sale, plus the Jamison group would have to not only work out a new arena lease agreement with Glendale City Council, but one which would pass scrutiny of The Goldwater Institute, a local taxpayer watchdog.

Nevertheless, this news could signal a significant step toward ensuring the Coyotes remain in Arizona.

Critics wonder why the league has fought so hard and for so long to keep the franchise there, pointing to the poor attendance - especially over the past five, when they’ve been either last or second-last in overall attendance - as proof of poor fan support in that market for the NHL.

The consensus among the critics is the Coyotes would be best served relocating to a more “traditional” hockey market.